While Auckland Reactor Sits...

While Auckland Reactor sits in his stall waiting for his ownership to make a decision on the horse's next move, his fellow New Zealand expatriate, Awesome Armbro, prepares to do battle in the Des Smith at Rideau Carleton this Sunday.  After his initial win in North America, his owners were so pleased with his 150:2 performance, they decided to pony up the $10,000 supplementary entry fee to give him the opportunity to race against this level of competition.  A successful effort in the Des Smith will promote Awesome Armbro to the Opens at Woodbine.  While the program for the Rideau Carleton card is available here, here are my thoughts regarding the race:      

Ridc5/8 - 12th Pace - $170,000; Des Smith Classic - Open
1 - Lucky Man (M. McDonald, 8-1) - Got nailed at the end in last going wire to wire.  Will have tough time to hold off Bigtime Ball.  Use in exotics.
2 - Dali (L. Ouellette, 3-1) - Has not been good in last two.  Can't recommend despite morning line.
3 - Bigtime Ball (P. MacDonell, 1-1) -  Presidential Ball gelding has been one of the stars of the WEG circuit.  Is the horse to beat.
4 - Awesome Armbro N (J.R. Plante, 5-1) - Turned on the jets when he cleared in last.  Should have enough room to fire this week.
5 - Go Go Solano (B. Miller, 15-1) - Ambitiously place.  Not likely.
6 - Anderlecht (J. Hamieson, 12-1) - Probably will scratch out of Saturday night engagement at the Hawk.  Seems to be just a step below. 
Selections: 4-3-1-6

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Here are my selections for Sunday afternoon at Tioga Downs:
 1st - Camboozler, Goldstar Vincenzo, Mister T-Rex (7-5-1)
 2nd - Ludi Jasper, M A Roy, Disiswatitsalabout (9-2-8)
 3rd - Luey Munster, Eyesbold, Shark Shuffle (5-2-4)
 4th - Avantage, Opan Heart, Jove's Success, Keep On Dreamin (7-1-8-3)
 5th - Cee Pee Bush, Reasontocelebrate, Baffler (4-2-5)
 6th -  Pop Z Pop, Barolo Hanover, Calmlee Jason (5-3-7)
 7th -  ADmiral Albert, Presidential Skam, Don'tcomeout, Winterwood Jet (2-7-6-5)
 8th - Gavino, Big Al's Delight, Caviart Logan (3-1-4)
 9th - Max Q Oh Poncho, Willfully (1-3-8)
10th - A Crown For Lindy, Four Starz Valley, Dreamanotherdream (1-2-9)
11th - Winbak Dimensions, Where's Waldo, Sheer Brilliance (5-3-7)
12th - Savnnah Scion, Briarwood Rex, Dangerous Truth (1-3-6)
13th - Mike And Jim, About Me, Sea Of Tranquility, Bolero Artifice (9-3-6-5)